At times when sitting on hundreds of baselines every year, we at Phenom Hoop Report finds young players that simply shine as a no-doubt high-major prospect in the coming ages. One 68 2022 forward from Legacy Early College screamed out to us as one of those and it seems to only be the start for him.
Phenom Hoop Report latest glimpse of 2022 69 Perry Smith Jr. was this summer at the Queen City Showcase, as he was part of a talented Team United 16u team.
When we sat down to watch, Smith immediately caught all our eyes once again and many said immediately that this young man has the talent to be a for-sure high major prospect, especially as he continues to grow in his overall game.
It seems teams are jumping on him early already, as DePaul and Nebraska are on board for the versatile, skilled forward.
Im humbled and honored to be recruited but I have a long way to go in high school and my focus is on getting better and my goal is the NBA, he told Phenom Hoop Report. It is great that people want you to be part of their program.
Smith is still learning about both programs and most of the conversations between the two have been with the staff and his father, as he continues to stay focused on the hardwood and in the classroom.
Outside of those two new offers, South Carolina, Clemson, and several other high-major programs have started to show interest as well.
Taking advantage of a successful summer; looking to continue his success this high school season:
This summer was a big one for Smith, as he not only focused on his game but also was able to showcase his talent on several different levels.
As far as his game though, Smith has been focusing on working on his outside game, becoming even more versatile and deadly as a consistent threat from outside. Add on top of that, he continues to work on his strength, getting to the basket and finishing at the rim, pressuring the ball, and ball handling.
My shot is becoming more consistent but Im in the gym daily working on it, he said. As far as achievements, I was the MVP of the BigShots MVP, I was Top-20 in the Ontheradar camp this year in Atlanta, and I was invited to attend the John Lucas invitation in Houston. He was also a HUGE standout at the Phenom Hoops Queen City Showcase this summer.
Now, heading into a season with Legacy Early College, Smith has high expectations for himself to continue his growth as well as his excitement with his team.
We are going to be good this year, Smith said about Legacy. We have a lot of Division I talent. Out schedule is good and will allow us opportunities to play against some of the best talent. Im ready for the challenge.
What did Phenom Hoops say recently:
The 68 forward is a big skilled athletic post! Everything in the paint he finished above the rim. I like his ability to step out and knock down the three-ball as well as his short corner. He is a walking double-double. – Phenom at Queen City Showcase
Theres a lot to like with Smith, who has all the tools to become a modern-day forward from the 3-and-D mold. Offensively, he mainly looks to get downhill and finish through contact, yet also shows perimeter capabilities and the ability to effectively spot-up without the ball. Smith is still growing as an overall shot creator, but he definitely has frequent flashes on offense, especially through the use of his quality athleticism around the basket. The idea that he could grow into a combo-forward with pick-and-pop potential is quite intriguing, and actually pretty realistic. That being said, Smith makes the most impact on defense, where he provides strong versatility and a consistently high motor. His length and athletic frame make him problematic for all types of opponents. The two-way forward will certainly emerge as one of the top prospects in South Carolina, regardless of class. – Jeff Bendel in 2018
